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//// Landscaping · Materials

Landscaping Mulch Calculator

Square feet + depth → cubic yards of mulch for bulk or bag order.

Where this fits

This tool lives inside Going 1099 and is most useful for freelancers and founders.

Corp Tax Rate21%
SE Threshold$400
FICA Cap 2024$168,600

Bed Dimensions

Cubic yards
4.63
bulk order
Cubic feet
125.00
total volume
Bags
63
2 cu ft each

Depth guide

2 inchesRefresh existing bed — suppress weeds, retain moisture
3 inchesStandard new bed — good weed suppression
4 inchesHeavy weed suppression — new beds with persistent weeds
6 inchesExcessive — may compact, restrict roots
1

Cubic feet

cu ft = sq ft × (depth ÷ 12)

= 500 × (3 ÷ 12)

= 125.00 cu ft

Depth in inches divided by 12 converts to feet

2

Cubic yards

cu yd = cu ft ÷ 27

= 125.00 ÷ 27

= 4.63 cu yd

1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet

3

Bags needed

bags = ⌈cu ft ÷ bag size⌉

= ⌈125.00 ÷ 2⌉

= 63 bags (2 cu ft each)

Bagged mulch is more expensive but easier for small jobs and tight access

Key insight

1 cubic yard of mulch covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep. Bulk delivery is cheaper per cubic foot than bags above ~3 yards. Most suppliers have a 2–3 yard minimum for delivery.

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